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When we, at Engadget, indulge in the occasional use of the German language, it's usually to fire off Deutschland's version of our favorite four-letter word (hint: it rhymes with sh-high-zuh!). Instead, we're rattling off this mouthful: ProSiebenSat.1 Welt. Gesundheit is right.

The German-language TV channel has big news for its US-based fans: a subscription-based streaming service for the web and mobile. Interested parties that can, you know, understand German are welcome to test it free for a week before going all in on those monthly payments of 7.90€ (about $11 USD). It's pretty much your best bet to catch up on the latest episodes of Der letzte Bulle, Ladykracher and Pastewka, one of which we assume has to be the German equivalent of Keeping up with the Kardashians. Don't make that face. We've all watched it at one time or another. Oh, and Bitteschön.

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Germangerman tvgermantvgermanyhdpostcrossmobilepostcrossprosiebensat.1streamingstreamingserviceFri, 01 Aug 2014 19:39:00 -040021|20940845http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/19/norrathian-notebook-soe-says-bye-bye-prosiebensat-1-hello-lan/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/19/norrathian-notebook-soe-says-bye-bye-prosiebensat-1-hello-lan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/19/norrathian-notebook-soe-says-bye-bye-prosiebensat-1-hello-lan/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
Double the pleasure, double the fun! SOE made two big announcements Wednesday that brought smiles to the faces of many fans. One said goodbye; the other said hello. But both were good news indeed, especially for Norrathians.

Sometimes parting is just sweet, without the sorrow. Such is the case with the first bit of news: the departure of ProSiebenSat.1 from SOE. That's right, my European compadres, rejoice because SOE is bringing you back into the fold! The deal that quickly went sour for fans squished between the US company and the European partner is over, and SOE's titles are returning fully to its portfolio while region locks are being lifted. I can hear you all singing hallelujahs and dancing in the street!

The second bit of news worthy of celebration was the launch of Player Studio in Landmark. Although it arrived later than anticipated thanks to the international tax registration processes, the wait was worthwhile because players from not only the U.S but also Canada, Sweden, France, the UK (yes, including Ireland), Germany, Norway, and Denmark can now submit items for sale to other players. That means that aspiring money-makers and non-builders who want to buy their cool items can finally find one another and do business. And that just paves the way for the system to work in EverQuest Next.

As great as the announcements are, neither is without a few downs mixed in with the ups. Norrathian Notebook explores both bits of news to get you the necessary details.

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consoleconsolesdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuoeqeq-2eq-iieq-nexteq-next-landmarkeq2eqiieqneqn-landmarkeqnexteqnleverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nexteverquest-next-landmarkf2pfantasyfeaturedfpsfree-to-playlandmarkmmo-shootermmofpsnorrathnorrathian-notebookopinionpgcplanetsideplanetside-2player-generated-contentplaystation-3playstation3ProSiebenSat.1ps2ps3PSS1sandboxsci-fishooterso-long-PSS1soesonysony-online-entertainmentsuperherosuperheroestattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookThu, 19 Jun 2014 12:00:00 -0400319|20914966http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/18/soe-dropping-prosiebensat-1-in-europe/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/18/soe-dropping-prosiebensat-1-in-europe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/06/18/soe-dropping-prosiebensat-1-in-europe/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
"Sony Online Entertainment and ProSiebenSat.1 have jointly decided to migrate all PSG accounts for PlanetSide 2, DC Universe Online, and EverQuest II back to SOE in the near future," wrote SOE's Linda "Brasse" Carlson on the company's forums.

SOE and PSG originally joined forces in 2012 to the dismay of European gamers who opposed the forced transfer of existing player accounts and regional server restrictions that threatened to affect international guilds and sub-communities.

EQ2WireSOE FAQ
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consoleconsolesdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuoeq-2eq-iieq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfpsfree-to-playmmo-shootermmofpsplanetsideplanetside-2playstation-3playstation3prosiebensat.1ps2ps3sandboxsci-fishootersoesonysony-online-entertainmentsuperherosuperheroesWed, 18 Jun 2014 10:00:00 -0400319|20914909http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/27/prosiebensat-1-acquires-aeria-games-europe/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/27/prosiebensat-1-acquires-aeria-games-europe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/27/prosiebensat-1-acquires-aeria-games-europe/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
The European gaming publisher ProSiebenSat.1 just got bigger. Pending approval by the responsible cartel authorities, PSS1 has acquired online and mobile games publisher Aeria Games Europe. The deal doubles the publisher's portfolio (upping it from 19 to 39 games) and almost triples its games community (rising from 27 to 77 million gamers). ProSiebenSat.1 will combine the games operations in Berlin and take on the name SevenGames. Dr. Christian Wegner, a member of PSS1's Executive Board, explained,

"The acquisition of Aeria Games Europe allows us full access to new markets and target groups, making us one of the top three publishers in Europe in one fell swoop, and takes us a big step forward in mobile gaming, the sector's largest growth driver. The transaction is fully in line with our strategy of strengthening our portfolio of digital assets by making bolt-on acquisitions."

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acquisitionacquisitionsAeria-GamesAeria-Games-EuropeChristian-WegnerProSiebenSat.1renameSevenGamesThu, 27 Feb 2014 17:00:00 -0500319|20839785http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/08/everquest-next-confirms-cross-region-play/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/08/everquest-next-confirms-cross-region-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/08/everquest-next-confirms-cross-region-play/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
Amid all of the revelry surrounding EverQuest Next'sannouncement are a few grumpy faces concerned that SOE was looking to region lock the upcoming title. President John Smedley took to Twitter to address the confusion.

"Clearing up a few misconceptions about EverQuest Next in Europe and UK," Smedleytweeted. "All players -- including ones from Prosieben -- can play on all servers. If you are from the EU or UK you will go through Prosieben, but [you] will be playing on SOE servers."

So there you have it: We will soon be one happy family with an infectious case of the voxels.

Anyone who attended SOE Live this year heard quite a bit about EverQuest Next. Even if the upcoming sandbox was not the reason you came, you couldn't help but learn a thing or two. And for those who braved the crowds to attend multiple panels focused on the game, chances are you are still trying to sort through all the information and remember everything that was said! That's where we come in.

After attending all the panels and sitting down with multiple devs, we've complied and summarized as much information as we can for you. Today's focus is on various mechanics (such as armor, combat, and classes) as well as a few other odds and ends we tossed in. So why are you still here? All that good stuff is after the break!

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armorclassescombatconconventiondave-georgesoneqeq-nexteqneventeverquesteverquest-nextfan-fairefantasyfeaturedgame-mechanicshistoryholy-trinitylas-vegasmechanicsProsiebensat.1questingsoesoe-fan-fairesoe-livesoe-live-2013sonysony-online-entertainmentterry-michaelsMon, 05 Aug 2013 08:30:00 -0400319|20685203http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/24/european-players-locked-out-of-resubscribing-to-soes-everquest/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
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It's not easy to be a European fan of Sony Online Entertainment of late. When the company announced that European services would be handed over to ProSiebenSat.1, there was a lot of pushback, but some of that was mollified by the promise that European players with existing accounts could continue to play on US servers with US accounts. Except that for some EverQuest IIplayers, that option now appears to have been locked out via limited credit card options.

Users have reported that when trying to add or change a credit card, several EU countries are no longer listed as valid choices for the country of origin, preventing players from using these cards. Since there are no account transfers for SOE players to migrate to ProSiebenSat.1 accounts, this could mean locking players out of years of work on characters. SOE has made no official response regarding this issue, but it runs directly counter to what has been stated in the past regarding access and account ownership. We've contacted SOE for a response and will update with any further information.

The blurb says that European players will continue to be able to play on U.S. servers, and vice versa, and SOE has uploaded a list of FAQs to help ease the transition. SOE also says that Euro players will have their own localized forums and customer service, but players with existing SOE accounts will still be able to access the U.S. forums.

Announcement
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eq-2eq-iieq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfree-to-playprosiebensat.1soesonysony-online-entertainmentTue, 18 Jun 2013 21:00:00 -0400319|20626589http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/planetside-2s-european-accounts-compromised/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
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You know the drill people: Accounts hacked, time to change those passwords ASAP. Who's affected this time around? It's the runners-and-gunners of PlanetSide 2 in Europe. Email addresses and passwords for some accounts were exposed, and affected players have been notified that they should create a new secret code so that the unwashed hackers don't gain entry to personal accounts elsewhere.

ProSiebenSat.1 issued the warning last night: "We have ascertained that there was recently unauthorized third-party access to one of our systems. The possibility that your data (email address and password) has been accessed by an unauthorized third party cannot be excluded. We were able to detect the problem promptly and took all necessary action to rectify the issue."

The company said that account data are encrypted and issued instructions how to change your password if this impacts you.

No European SOE PlanetSide 2 accounts were affected by the intrusion.

[Thanks to the mighty Tandor for the tip!]

[We've updated the article to clarify that only some PSS1 accounts were affected. SOE's European accounts are in the clear.]

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accountaccountsaccounts-compromisedcomprimised-accountsfpshackhackedhacked-accountsmmo-shootermmofpspasswordsplanetsideplanetside-2prosiebensat.1ps2sandboxsci-fishootersoesonysony-online-entertainmentTue, 26 Feb 2013 15:00:00 -0500319|20479234http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/soe-live-2012-smedley-assuages-prosiebensat-1-concerns/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
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When announcing that European players can keep their accounts with Sony Online Entertainment during the move to ProSiebenSat.1, SOE President John Smedley specifically mentioned three games, concerning the players of other SOE titles. However, during an exclusive interview with Massively today, Smedley clarified that those three are not the only games involved. As he explained, those games were just the most topical, not the sole selections on an exclusive list. Players of other SOE games such as Vanguard can rest assured that they have the same opportunity to choose to stay with SOE.

That answer covers all current titles that are already published, but what about future SOE titles? And how does the ProSieben partnership affect Station Access? And when will these changes be taking place for the different games? Continue reading for Smedley's insights on these matters.

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conconventioneventfan-fairefeaturedinterviewinterviewsjohn-smedleylas-vegasmassively-exclusivemassively-exclusive-interviewsmassively-interviewProSiebenprosiebensat.1PSS1Smedleysmedley-interviewsoesoe-fan-fairesoe-livesoe-live-2012sonysony-online-entertainmentFri, 19 Oct 2012 21:30:00 -0400319|20355422http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/16/soes-smedley-responds-to-prosiebensat-1-concerns/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
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Earlier in the year when Sony Online Entertainment announced the move of European EverQuest II player accounts to ProSiebenSat.1, many players voiced concerns. Since then, the deal changed to include more games and then was delayed for EverQuest II.

Today, SOE President John Smedley took to Twitter to explain that the company was listening to and addressing fans' concerns. He stated:

"We've found a way to let existing players of our current games that are migrating over to Prosieben (EQ, EQ II, Planetside 2) keep their SOE accounts and stay with SOE. Down the road we may offer an option to move over to Prosieben. Just to be clear after these games launch on Prosieben's service new accounts will be created on their sites. However all US and EU players can still play together no matter which service they are on."

He continued by emphasizing that the partnership with ProSiebenSat.1 is still on, and that he feels that the company will provide better customer service and payment options to the EU community.

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eqeq-2eq-iieq1eq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfpsfree-to-playjohn-smedleymmo-shootermmofpsplanetsideplanetside-2prosiebensat.1prosiebensat.1-changeoverps2sandboxsci-fishooterSmedleysoesonysony-online-entertainmentTue, 16 Oct 2012 12:00:00 -0400319|20351556http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/26/eu-everquest-ii-transition-to-prosiebensat-1-delayed/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
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European EverQuest II players who have been expecting the impending transition of their game to ProSiebenSat.1 have been granted a reprieve of indeterminate length. After a less-than-smooth transition for DC Universe Online, Sony Online Entertainment is delaying EQII's move to the European partner's control.

SOE Community Relations Director Linda Carlson, aka Brasse, took to the EQII forums to announce the delay. She also noted that once the issues identified in DCUO's move are ironed out, the changeover will move ahead; at that point, affected players will be notified by email and via the forums.

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consoleconsolesdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuoeq-2eq-iieq2eqiiEUeverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfree-to-playplaystation-3playstation3ProSiebenSat.1prosiebensat.1-changeoverps3soesonysony-online-entertainmentsuperherosuperheroesSun, 26 Aug 2012 22:00:00 -0400319|20309477http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/17/soe-alters-prosiebensat-1-deal-to-include-eq-vanguard-and-wiza/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/17/soe-alters-prosiebensat-1-deal-to-include-eq-vanguard-and-wiza/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/17/soe-alters-prosiebensat-1-deal-to-include-eq-vanguard-and-wiza/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
After months of insisting that the deal with ProSiebenSat.1 was locked in, SOE announced that it is expanding the library of titles that the European operator will take over and run for the region.

SOE President John Smedley said that this is nothing but good news for European gamers: "ProSiebenSat.1 is the ideal partner for us to reach an even broader audience in Europe. We are confident that the combination of the media power provided by ProSiebenSat.1 and our expertise in developing high-quality online games will appeal to players in a new and captivating way, creating the perfect prerequisite for achieving great success with our games in Europe."

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dealeqeq1europeeuropeaneverquestf2pfantasyfree-to-playgamepothardcorejohn-smedleyopen-pvpoperationsoperatorpermadeathpkplayer-killingpray-they-dont-alter-it-any-furtherprosiebensat.1pvpsandboxsir-techsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttelonvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgwizardryFri, 17 Aug 2012 17:00:00 -0400319|20303668http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/18/argo-onlines-biggest-content-update-goes-live-today/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/18/argo-onlines-biggest-content-update-goes-live-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/18/argo-onlines-biggest-content-update-goes-live-today/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
The additional high-level content that fans have been anticipating for ARGO Online is finally here! The biggest content update for the steampunk free-to-play game goes live today and includes an increased level cap, a new flying continent, and a PvP arena.

The new flying continent of Naviruo is designed with content for characters level 50 to 55 and contains more than 400 new quests, over 300 new types of monsters, and seven additional dungeons. Lower-level characters might not be able to survive the new continent, but they can enjoy the new PvP arena that allows players from level 30 on up to participate in duels on one of three different maps. The PvP-minded can also enjoy the new battlefield Arathidis Valley, where 18-man teams can face off.

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Arathidis-Valleyargoarrgo-onlinebattlegroundscontent-updatef2pfantasyflying-continentfree-to-playlevel-cap-increaseNaviruonewsprosiebensat.1PvP-arenasteampunkWed, 18 Jul 2012 11:30:00 -0400319|20280679http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/21/more-content-incoming-for-argo-online-including-a-new-arena-sys/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
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Last month, ARGO Online received a hefty patch adding new goodies as well as raising the level cap. Today, the free-to-play steampunk game announced that more high-level content is on its way. This next set of goodies includes a new continent, a PvP dueling arena, and an even higher level cap.

Lower-level characters need not despair about being left out of the upcoming content; all players level 30 and higher can enjoy the new arena. Dubbed Spirit of Warriors, the arena allows players to band together in teams regardless of faction to participate in 3v3 or 5v5 battles on any of the three maps. The best two out of three rounds wins the match. Winners will receive titles, veteran points for ranking, and possibly even precious medals that can be traded for rare set items.

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argoargo-onlinecontent-patchf2pfantasyfree-to-playlevel-cap-increasenewsprosiebensat.1pvp-arenapvp-arenassci-fisteampunkThu, 21 Jun 2012 10:30:00 -0400319|20263242http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/massive-argo-online-patch-raises-level-cap-adds-new-dungeons-an/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/massive-argo-online-patch-raises-level-cap-adds-new-dungeons-an/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/massive-argo-online-patch-raises-level-cap-adds-new-dungeons-an/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
Remember ARGO Online, the free-to-play steampunk fantasy MMO that launched in early 2011? If not, now's as good a time as any to refresh your memory since the game is about to undergo the largest content update in its history.

First up is a max-level increase (to 55), followed by a new "expert" island called Naviruo, which is geared toward level 50-plus players. Here you'll find more than 400 new quests that continue the tale of conflict between the Floresslah and Nobilan factions. There are also seven new dungeons to satiate your PvE and PvP appetites, not to mention over 300 new types of monsters to make things a little more challenging.

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argoargo-onlinecontent-patchf2pfantasyfree-to-playprosiebensat.1sci-fisteampunkWed, 23 May 2012 12:30:00 -0400319|20243540http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/the-tattered-notebook-the-great-big-news-roundup/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/the-tattered-notebook-the-great-big-news-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/the-tattered-notebook-the-great-big-news-roundup/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
One thing you just can't say about EverQuest II is that there's a lack of news coming from the game. In fact, there's been so much going on both in game and out that this week's Tattered Notebook is devoted to a great big roundup. We'll look at developer remarks on Skyshrine, tweaks to the AA curve, some nice in-game promotions, and a brief commentary about the ProSiebenSat.1 deal. There's a lot to cover, so let's get to it!

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eqeq-2eq-iieq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playkanderkaren-bryanopinionprosiebensat.1skyshrinesoesonysony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookSat, 07 Apr 2012 16:00:00 -0400319|20210179http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/sony-online-entertainment-offers-an-updated-prosiebensat-1-faq/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/sony-online-entertainment-offers-an-updated-prosiebensat-1-faq/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/sony-online-entertainment-offers-an-updated-prosiebensat-1-faq/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
If you're in Europe and playing EverQuest II, DC Universe Online, or many other Sony Online Entertainment games, you're probably aware that a major change is on the horizon. The company has signed an agreement with ProSiebenSat.1, giving that company a great deal of control over the publication and operation of SOE's games in the region. There was some backlash over the change, as players were in particular concerned about being forced to play on specific servers.

While some of the details have already been addressed, SOE seeks to remedy a variety of player concerns with an updated FAQ detailing exactly what will take place when the service changes hands. Worth noting is that Station Cash will be converted into a similar but proprietary currency and all customer service issues will be handled by ProSiebenSat.1. Players will also need to make a new account with ProSiebenSat.1, although their old SOE accounts will still be used for certain games, such as the original EverQuest. If you're one of the many players affected by the change, there's no time like the present to take a look at what you can expect.

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changeovereuropeeuropeaneuropean-regionf2pfaqfree-to-playnewsprosiebensatprosiebensat.1prosiebensat.1-changeoverservicesoesonysony-online-entertainmentSun, 01 Apr 2012 17:00:00 -0400319|20206021http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/10/the-tattered-notebook-soes-brasse-talks-community-at-gdc/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/10/the-tattered-notebook-soes-brasse-talks-community-at-gdc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/10/the-tattered-notebook-soes-brasse-talks-community-at-gdc/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
What do dwarves and Monty Python have in common? They both feature prominently in Linda "The Brasse" Carlson'sGDC 2012 talk about the front lines of the SOE community relations team. Given the recent roller coaster ride of the ProSiebenSat.1 deal and the turmoil on the forums that followed, I found it interesting to hear what it's like to be a member of the community management folks as they try to handle being in the middle of it all. While her talk was mainly aimed at community managers in other games, there were a few tidbits that players would probably find interesting and maybe even surprising. Read on for the highlights!

It's no secret that Sony Online Entertainment has been in more than a little hot water in the wake of the recently announced region locks that were to be put in place following the studio's deal with ProSiebenSat.1, but there may still be a silver lining on the horizon. SOE president John Smedley tweeted earlier today that the studio has "come up with a plan to allow ALL players to play on any servers they want." While details are still to come, this should be incredibly welcome news for players of SOE titles who weren't looking forward to playing without their international friends.

Smedley promises us that there are "more details to follow," so stay tuned and hopefully we'll have some idea of what's in the works before too long.

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alaplayaculturedramadrama-llamaeq2everquesteverquest-iifiascogaming-cultureindustryjohn-smedleymmo-culturemmo-industryplanetsideplanetside-2prosiebensat.1region-lockregion-lockssoesoe-prosiebensat.1sony-online-entertainmentMon, 27 Feb 2012 15:15:00 -0500319|20180894http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/25/the-tattered-notebook-breaking-up-the-family/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/25/the-tattered-notebook-breaking-up-the-family/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/25/the-tattered-notebook-breaking-up-the-family/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
This is the cartoon that launched a thousand posts. Well, maybe not a thousand, but it created tension on the forums and resulted in a temporary ban for popular community figure Morgan Feldon. With this week's news about the ProSiebenSat.1/Alaplaya deal, SOE fans were up in arms, and EverQuest II was at the epicenter of the protest. There were concerns ranging from account security to quality of player support, but the biggest concern was the fact that there would be a barrier between U.S. and European players going forward.

I've written before about how tight-knit the community is in EQII, and that's probably why you saw some of the strongest protests originate on the EQII forums. That closeness extends to the EQII development team as well. I've been to a couple of Fan Faires and was surprised at how accessible the team always made itself. Combine that with a core community of longstanding, loyal players, and you basically have one big family. So when fans were hit with the second big news story of the week, the departure of Associate Producer Emily "Domino" Taylor, players reacted as if a friend or family member had moved out of the home. What do these two news stories have in common, and what can they tell us about EverQuest II?

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alaplayadominoemily-tayloreqeq-2eq-iieq2eqiieuropeeverquestEverQuest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playkaren-bryanmorgan-feldonopinionprosiebensat.1smedleysoesony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookSat, 25 Feb 2012 18:00:00 -0500319|20179489http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/soe-responds-to-prosiebensat-1-fiasco-says-its-not-a-done-deal/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/soe-responds-to-prosiebensat-1-fiasco-says-its-not-a-done-deal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/soe-responds-to-prosiebensat-1-fiasco-says-its-not-a-done-deal/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#commentsSony Online Entertainment has finally responded to the ProSiebenSat.1 brouhaha. Director of Global Community Relations Linda "Brasse" Carlson gave frustrated fans a faint glimmer of hope with a forum post last night that basically said the controversial deal isn't quite a done deal.

In a nutshell, SOE plans to divide its long-time gaming community by region, with European player accounts handed off to ProSiebenSat.1 and Alaplaya. The announcement sent shockwaves through the EverQuest II community, as many guilds and sub-communities feature players from both sides of the Atlantic.

The forced transfer of player accounts and personal information from SOE to Alaplaya also raised eyebrows, as some in the player community voiced concerns over security and convenience since Alaplaya reserves the right to delete inactive accounts after 90 days and has been accused of publishing real names on past-due accounts (the company has denied the latter).

SOE's forums have been on fire over the past two days, with dozens of bans handed down by moderators (including one to noted community leader Morgan Feldon of EQ2Wire). Feldon's fansite is the place to go for info about the ongoing drama; it provides a wealth of opinion on why the proposed deal sucks for players as well as a collection of community reactions. Aside from Brasse's post, SOE has been silent about the deal, which comes on the heels of the firm's generating quite a bit of fan goodwill by reversing its decision to shelve the Mac version of EverQuest.

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alaplayadramaeq2eq2wireeqiieverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfree-to-playprosiebensat.1region-lockingregion-lockssoesoe-prosiebensat.1Sony-Online-EntertainmentThu, 23 Feb 2012 09:30:00 -0500319|20177904http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/soe-opens-up-about-multi-year-european-partnership/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/soe-opens-up-about-multi-year-european-partnership/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/soe-opens-up-about-multi-year-european-partnership/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#commentsWhile we heard about Sony Online Entertainment's partnership with ProSiebenSat.1 Games Group to publish MMOs in Europe last month, the specific details of this deal were lurking under a cloud cover of mystery and speculation -- until now. SOE has posted a quite lengthy FAQ about this partnership and what it entails for the future of the studio in the Old World.

According to the deal, ProSiebenSat.1 has the license to officially publish eight of SOE's titles in 40 countries. These MMOs include DC Universe Online, EverQuest II, Free Realms, PlanetSide 2, and EverQuest Next (although not, oddly enough, EverQuest itself). SOE hopes that ProSiebenSat.1's location and expertise will result in in a greater audience for its games as well as more support and better localization for those under ProSiebenSat.1's umbrella. SOE even hopes that the partnership will result in "special content" for European players.

Previously, SOE had distribution agreements for Europe but nothing on the scale of what it now has with ProSiebenSat.1. It looks like EU players will need to transfer their accounts and characters over to ProSiebenSat.1's domain, although SOE promises that this will be an easy process. It's also important to note that these games and their servers will not interact with their North American counterparts, effectively separating the communities.

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dc-universe-onlinedcuodealeq2eqiieueu-playerseuropeeuropeaneverquesteverquest-iieverquest-nextfree-realmslegalpartnershipplanetside-2prosiebensat.1ProSiebenSat.1-Games-Groupps2soeSony-Online-EntertainmentTue, 21 Feb 2012 16:00:00 -0500319|20176348http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/john-smedley-everquest-ii-seeing-amazing-growth-following-f2p/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/john-smedley-everquest-ii-seeing-amazing-growth-following-f2p/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/john-smedley-everquest-ii-seeing-amazing-growth-following-f2p/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
Following a rocky and often-troubling year for Sony Online Entertainment in 2011, it's got to be good to have a clear win for the team. So we certainly can't begrudge SOE President John Smedley from climbing to the mountaintops to trumpet EverQuest II's success following its full free-to-play transition last month.

According to a series of tweets, Smedley says that the numbers are looking impressive: "We are seeing some amazing growth in EQII. 40% increase in daily logins since going F2P, 300% increase in new players, and 200% increase in item sales. Plus we have added a lot of new subs. All during the time that some really good competition hit the market."

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dc-universe-onlinedcuoeq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfree-to-playjohn-smedleypartnershipProSiebenProSiebenSat.1soesony-online-entertainmentstar-wars-clone-wars-adventuresTue, 10 Jan 2012 09:00:00 -0500319|20144962http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/10/gazillion-bringing-two-mmos-to-europe-with-the-help-of-german-pu/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Joystiq&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/10/gazillion-bringing-two-mmos-to-europe-with-the-help-of-german-pu/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/10/gazillion-bringing-two-mmos-to-europe-with-the-help-of-german-pu/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Joystiq#commentsGazillion is bringing two of its free-to-play MMOs to the Old Continent this summer. Marvel Super Hero Squad Online and Fortune Online are being released in Europe under the oversight of ProSiebenSat.1 Digital, a German media publisher that's previously been responsible for releasing games in the region from the likes of Nintendo and Sony. Both games are browser-based, so ProSiebenSat.1 Digital's main responsibility will be connecting Gazillion's titles to a new European audience.

We assume, of course, that they'll also be responsible for taking both games around to see the sights while they're visiting. They're both currently in beta, but they'll be out for release as soon as they've taken in the requisite tours of the Lourve and the Tower of London.